Update Noon EDT: And that didn't take long to build, as Variety has some more details, though again, these are sourced and now directly from Warner Brothers. The trade reports that Darren Lemke is writing the script of Shazam, with Dwayne Johnson listed as the star, playing the role of Black Adam. They describe the character as "more of an anti-hero trying to clear his name than a villain." They say that Lemke's hiring is a new one, but that the film may be fast-tracked once he's finished with the script.

Lemke's first produced screenplay was Jack the Giant Slayer, with Turbo and the upcoming book adaptation Goosebumps more recently on his resumé.

Original Story: The Rock is saying SHAZAM, but it’s not to be Billy Batson’s alter-ego.

”"Kneel at his feet or get crushed by his boot." My honor to become.. #BlackAdam #TheAntiHero #DCComics” That’s what Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted just moments ago late Wednesday morning, apparently confirming that he is in fact taking the role of Black Adam in an upcoming movie for DC Entertainment.

The actor has been teasing an upcoming role with DC and Warner Bros for months, and leaning heavily towards Black Adam, the “Anti-Hero” who acts as a foil for the hero now known as Shazam. The choice was reportedly Johsnon's to make, and his long-standing love for the darker character was well-known.

Black Adam is a character born in the early days of civilization who was one of, if not the first, to wield the magical superpowers of Shazam. In some stories, he is a true anti-hero, just doing everything he can in the service of his people (Think The Punisher with Superman’s powers), and in some he has been an outright villain, terrorizing the world. It seems we’ll see more of the former than the latter.

Warner Bros has not yet commented on the apparent hiring, nor on when and where Johnson will appear in the role of Black Adam.